Are you resolving to get organized in 2010?

I found this SF Chronicle article http://bit.ly/5rfOs2 and even though it's from 2005 the information is timeless. The Chronicle did an experiment with folks who resolved to get organized for the new year and found out what is common when it comes to organizing...people don't follow through.

People often balk at the idea of paying someone to help them clear the clutter and get organized but the truth is if it doesn't come naturally and it causes you stress or costs you money to NOT be organized than why not hire someone to help. The catch is that you have to have some skin in the game. You have to be willing to make some changes and create some new habits in order for things to be different. This is no different than a diet or budget or anything else that is put into place to help keep you on track.

In this article the writer talks about the excuses that people bring when they can't continue on. Through personal and professional experience I know that often times excuses only serve to cover up the fear that comes up for people. Why fear? Fear that the "stuff" they have been using to hide behind is about to be removed and they will be exposed. What I mean is, they may be using "stuff" to stuff emotions, keep the world at a distance or otherwise keep themselves safely behind a wall to avoid dealing with their life.

Bold statement? Yep! But the truth is "It's not about the stuff." Ok, sometimes life happens and we temporarily lose our way but the truth is when we give "stuff" the power to control our decisions and actions we need to take a look inside at what's really going on. Why are we using shopping to feel better? Why do we need to hang on to so much?

Ask yourself these questions!? If you find you want to explore a little more and free yourself from clutter and disorganization let's talk! No excuses. I coach people through 5 steps to freedom from clutter and my book on this method is due out June 2010!

NY Times says clutter & disorganization are a sign!

In a 2008 New York Times article about clutter, Tara Parker-Pope brings to light the underlying truth about clutter and disorganization...It's not about the stuff.

She quoted several well known leaders in our industry about the psychological aspect of some of the more extreme cases of disorganization. She discussed the clinical studies underway to gather more information about this baffling need to collect and keep at extreme levels.

The article links clutter to health problems, weight issues, even depression and goes on to say that excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of a bigger health problem.
As an speaker and coach on effectively getting and staying organized, I agree that there is a deeper issue in some of the extreme cases. When the stuff takes over and becomes the originating point for decision making about life there's a bigger challenge brewing.

You don't have to have stuff piled to the ceiling, however, for clutter and disorganization to be the key factor in the unmanageability of your life. Clutter and disorganization serves to keep us out of the moment; either back in the memories of the item or looking ahead to acquiring something else we "need". The need to be everywhere else but in the moment creates chaos and disconnection from who we are meant to be.

This way of life has become the norm for many in this country today. We live in a bigger, faster, more is better mentality; the more you have the better you are point of view. He who dies with the most toys wins. For some this may be enough but when you really, honestly take a look at your life of acculumation, are you happy? Honestly?

I believe there is a spiritual void that we, as Americans, are trying to fill today with stuff. It's a space inside of us that originates for as many different reasons as there are individuals suffering. If we take the time to really look inside and investigate the space, make an effort to change the core beliefs we have about our own value, and make heathly spiritual choices to fill it up the void we can move away from attempting to fill it with stuff.

It's not about the stuff! What is it about for you?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/01well.html

BEST idea for sending your holiday cards!!

Last year in about 15 minutes I sent out ALL of my business holiday cards with my logo, my own handwriting and my own signature using Send Out Cards! What a cool tool this is. This year I'm doing some handwritten but also sending out my holiday cards to my clients and some family too!

Through out the year I send cards to friends just to say hello and I send cards to family to send some love and gratitude. You can schedule cards to go out for birthdays. A friend of mine owns a large insurance firm and they use Send Out Cards to send birthday cards to their clients...they are great at the little things! I also use it to send cards to my 87 year old gramma in Florida, she loves the ones with animals on them. Send Out Cards has thousands of designs to choose from and you can customize each on with your own message.

This is one organizing/productivity tool that you should check out.
Call me for more information 916 765 6104
Happy Greetings!!

Top 5 Tips for Holiday Decorating

This weekend you're probably venturing out for the Christmas tree then into the attic, garage or basement for the decorations, right? You may be adding to your stash this year, like each year. many of us do. We find a great sale or the kids come home with some adorable new hand made treasures for the tree. Here's a few quick tips for keeping it simple and setting yourself up for an easy clean up after Santa has come and gone.

1. Needles, Needles Everywhere! Put your lush new tree up with a tree bag. It goes around the base of the tree and when it's time to take it down...voila...pull it up around the tree and avoid the carpet full of needles. Get it here http://bit.ly/5LNsmB

2. When you pull everything out dispose of the broken, mismatched and worn out ornaments. You are bringing in some new to freshen it all up. Let these go now because when you're putting it all away later you won't want to take the time to go through it all...you'll just want to be done. Come on...you know it's true!

3. Rubbermaid is our friend! Target or Walmart has a ton of these colorful tubs and they are fabulous because they don't breakdown or crush like cardboard...keeps your fabulous decorations safe and dry.

4. Ziploc, Ziploc, Ziploc. Ziploc bags are the best for grouping together and storing those small ornaments within the fabulous tubs. Plus it seals out the dust and mildew that can happen with the moisture.

5. Relax and Enjoy! Keep it simple. Don't stress yourself out over the decorations, do what you can and enjoy that!

I wish you happy decorating and fabulous holidays!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter out - Living in! http://ow.ly/tfJP

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How's your bill pay system? Paying on time? Paying late fees?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Use a basket for stamps, envelopes and to gather bills until it's time to pay..no more searching.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How is your clutter serving you?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfAw

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: The truth about the stuff is....it's not about the stuff!

Take advantage of vertical space. Use hanging sorters in the closet for shoes, sweaters and jeans.

Getting organized is a process not an event. Be gentle with yourself....it probably didn't get that way overnight.

Overwhelmed by clutter? Kids to overwhelmed too! Think about how much to give them - keep it simple.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter out - Living in! http://ow.ly/tfI3

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Smaller the kid the larger the container. Set your kids up for success by making it easy for them.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Schedule time for fun. Balance is key!

Establish a shoe place near the front door. You can collect shoes and socks here when people come in the door.

Productivity Tip: Multitasking is a myth. Focus on one thing at a time, you'll get more done.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. Let go of "gonna use it someday"

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: When will you take your life back from disorganization?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Smaller the kid the larger the container. Set your kids up for success by making it easy for them.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter free - in the moment http://ow.ly/tfWd

Take advantage of vertical space. Use hanging sorters in the closet for shoes, sweaters and jeans.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. Let go of "gonna use it someday"

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Brace yourself ladies! The one in, one out rule applies for shoes too! If they hurt your feet, let them go. Make room for hot and comfy!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfzF

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Use a basket for stamps, envelopes and to gather bills until it's time to pay..no more searching.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: The truth about the stuff is....it's not about the stuff!

Cluttered Shower? Invest in a Dispenser IV for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Keeps it neat.

Productivity Tip: Multitasking is a myth. Focus on one thing at a time, you'll get more done.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Take 5 to clear your desk before you leave for the day!

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter free - in the moment http://ow.ly/tfVM

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: What more could you do if you were more organized?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Use a basket for stamps, envelopes and to gather bills until it's time to pay..no more searching.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Ask yourself "do I need this?", "Does it need me?"

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How's your bill pay system? Paying on time? Paying late fees?

Book exerpt - Filling the space within - the inside job of clutter and disorganization

Within us exists a space that, if not naturally filled with good, nurturing self acceptance, tends to get filled with something else. The problem with filling it or attempting to fill it with something else is the insatiable nature of the space.

Some people attempt to fill it with drugs or alcohol; some people fill it with food and others still with relationships. Then there are those who attempt to fill this space with things or a combination of the above. Call it what you like; retail therapy, a great sale, inheritance, valuable memorabilia, when taken to the extreme or done without real consciousness it is an issue when your life becomes unmanageable.

The symptom is clutter and disorganization, the underlying issue is the unfillable space, the overall effect is unmanageability. This overall effect is just that, overall. It affects every area of your life from the cluttered junk drawer to sleep habits to relationships.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How is your clutter serving you?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter free - in the moment http://ow.ly/tfVt

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfzg

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: The truth about the stuff is....it's not about the stuff!

Overwhelmed by clutter? Kids to overwhelmed too! Think about how much to give them - keep it simple.

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Organized doesn't mean perfect; find what "works" for you!

Productivity Tip: Get your things by the door the night before to avoid the morning rush!

Your Freedome from Clutter Coach says: Smaller the kid the larger the container. Set you kids up for success by making it easy for them.

Establish a shoe place near the front door. You can collect shoes and socks here when people come in the door.

Brace yourself ladies! The one in, one out rule applies for shoes too! If they hurt your feet, let them go. Make room for hot and comfy!

Productivity Tip: Get your things by the door the night before to avoid the morning rush!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. Let go of "gonna use it someday"

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Ask yourself "do I need this?", "Does it need me?"

A Day in the Life of a Freedom from Clutter Coach

I have had the privilege of speaking to a wide variety of groups lately. I have to say it’s been an amazing opportunity to get the word out about what I do. As a Freedom from Clutter Coach I am working with people to get them out from under their stuff. We don’t realize how much stuff can weigh us down. Let me say right off that I’m not here to MAKE you throw stuff away, I’m here to explore with you how the stuff is serving you and the life you want to live.

One powerful technique I use with my ‘in person’ coaching is to go through those beloved items; collectibles or gifts from others and help you decide what to do with them. When sorting through these items I will often hold it and show the client without having them touch it. Once you touch something you are trying to decide to keep or toss, the answer is almost always keep! The energy of the items brings back the memories and touching it makes it tangible.

Getting organized is a process not an event. Be gentle with yourself....it probably didn't get that way overnight.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Use a basket for stamps, envelopes and to gather bills until it's time to pay..no more searching.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: The truth about the stuff is....it's not about the stuff!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. What is your clutter keeping you from doing in your life and business?

Cluttered Shower? Invest in a Dispenser IV for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Keeps it neat.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter out - Living in! http://ow.ly/tfHt

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Schedule time for fun. Balance is key!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: What more could you do if you were more organized?

Productivity Tip: Multitasking is a myth. Focus on one thing at a time, you'll get more done.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Organized doesn't mean perfect; find what "works" for you!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Take 5 to clear your desk before you leave for the day!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter Free - in the moment http://ow.ly/tfV8

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How's your bill pay system? Paying on time? Paying late fees?

Come out of your cluttered closet, there's no shame in asking for help getting organized!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfza

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: If your shoes or shoulders are dusty in your closet it's time to let it go...you haven't worn it.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: When will you face the disorganization and take your life back?

Donate books to the local library. They will put it in stock or sell it to benefit the library fund!

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. Let go of "gonna use it someday"

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Use a basket for stamps, envelopes and to gather bills until it's time to pay..no more searching.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How is your clutter serving you?

Your Freedome from Clutter Coach says: Smaller the kid the larger the container. Set you kids up for success by making it easy for them.

Brace yourself ladies! The one in, one out rule applies for shoes too! If they hurt your feet, let them go. Make room for hot and comfy!

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uoyQ

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter free - in the moment! http://ow.ly/tfUL

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uoyl

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uoy3

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uoxO

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uoxp

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uox8

Overwhelmed by clutter? Kids get overwhelmed too! Stop and think about how much you "give" them to manage,too much stuff is overwhelming.

Tune into 97.7 KDEE Thurs 10/15 from 4-5PST for my interview on Edwin Edebiri show. Topic: The Truth about the Stuff http://ow.ly/uovZ

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Schedule time for fun. Balance is key!

The Truth About the Stuff is .... It's Not About the Stuff!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Ask yourself "do I need this?", "Does it need me?"

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter out - Living in! http://ow.ly/tfH2

Establish a shoe place near the front door. You can collect shoes and socks here when people come in the door.

Lose your keys? Get a hook by the door so you always know where they are!

Getting organized is a process not an event. Be gentle with yourself....it probably didn't get that way overnight.

Productivity Tip: Get your things by the door the night before to avoid the morning rush!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfyk

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Take 5 to clear your desk before you leave for the day!

Cluttered Shower? Invest in a Dispenser IV for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Keeps it neat.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. What is your clutter keeping you from doing in your life and business?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach article: Clutter out - Living in! http://ow.ly/tfGn

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: How's your bill pay system? Paying on time? Paying late fees?

Take advantage of vertical space. Use hanging sorters in the closet for shoes, sweaters and jeans.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks you to consider the clutter-grief connection. http://ow.ly/tfxY

Productivity Tip: Multitasking is a myth. Focus on one thing at a time, you'll get more done.

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach asks: What more could you do if you were more organized?

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. What is your clutter keeping you from doing in your life and business?

Come out of your cluttered closet, there's no shame in asking for help getting organized!

Organizing Tip: Make lunches during dinner clean up; save money and time!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Organized doesn't mean perfect; find what "works" for you!

Your Freedom from clutter consultant asks: What is your disorganization keeping your from accomplishing?

Overwhelmed by clutter? Kids to overwhelmed too! Think about how much to give them - keep it simple.

Productivity Tip: Get your things by the door the night before to avoid the morning rush!

Your Freedom from Clutter Coach says: Be in the moment. Let go of "gonna use it someday"

Organizing Tip: 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They will recycle what they can so you don't have to decide! Affordable solution.

Efficiency Tip: Shred as you go or hire your child to do it (age appropriate of course) Your newest assistant!!

Organizing Tip: Create a menu & grocery list, planning ahead saves money and helps you make healthier choices.

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: Are you paying your bills on time?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Be in the moment, clutter and disorganization take us out of the moment!

Organizing Tip - For kids us a hanging laundy basket (from IKEA) - dunk shot laundry, it's fun and will get done!

Organizing Tip: Never, never store photos in the garage or attic.

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: Are you paying your bills on time?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: Are you living your best life possible? http://ow.ly/r74g

What is clutter and disorganization costing you? Cost of Getting Organized: Priceless ttp://ow.ly/r57F

Organizing Tip: Make lunches during dinner clean up; save money and time!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Your external environment is a reflection of your internal environment.

Organizing Tip: Take 5 at night to get things by the front door to avoid the morning search and rush!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What would you do with an extra hour each day?

Clutter: Attempting to fill the space within http://ow.ly/oft8

Organizing Tip: Schedule bill pay every two weeks to avoid late fees. Negotiate your due date to fit your schedule!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Don't be ashamed of your clutter, it's OK to ask for help!

Organizing Tip: Mail - over the trash...open, toss, file, pay or "to do". Keep it simple.

Organizing Tip - It takes less time to put it away now that let it stack up, add stress and do it later! Just do it now!

Organizing Tip: Organizing kids - smaller the child the bigger the container for toys. This helps with easy cleanup!

Your Freedom from clutter consultant asks: What is your disorganization keeping your from accomplishing?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is disorganization keeping you from doing?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onH2

Organizing Tip: Help kids purge by "giving toys to kids who don't have them"!

Organizing Tip: Never, never store photos in the garage or attic.

Organizing Tip: 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They will recycle what they can so you don't have to decide! Affordable solution.

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What would you do with an extra hour each day?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onGH

Efficiency Tip: Shred as you go or hire your child to do it (age appropriate of course) Your newest assistant!!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Be in the moment, clutter and disorganization take us out of the moment!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: Are you paying your bills on time?

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3w

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onGd

Clutter: Attempting to fill the space within http://ow.ly/ofsW

Organizing Tip - For kids us a hanging laundy basket (from IKEA) - dunk shot laundry, it's fun and will get done!

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3r

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3n

Your Freedom from clutter consultant asks: What is your disorganization keeping your from accomplishing?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Don't be ashamed of your clutter, it's OK to ask for help!

Clutter: Attempting to fill the space within http://ow.ly/oftr

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3k

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant says: Your external environment is a reflection of your internal environment.

Organizing Tip: Take 5 at night to get things by the front door to avoid the morning search and rush!

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3b

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onG5

Organizing Tip: Create a menu & grocery list, planning ahead saves money and helps you make healthier choices.

Organizing Tip: Schedule bill pay every two weeks to avoid late fees. Negotiate your due date to fit your schedule!

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of35

Organizing Tip: Help kids purge by "giving toys to kids who don't have them"!

Organizing Tip: Mail - over the trash...open, toss, file, pay or "to do". Keep it simple.

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of32

Organizing Tip - It takes less time to put it away now that let it stack up, add stress and do it later! Just do it now!

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onGP

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is your relationship with clutter? http://ow.ly/onF4

Organizing Tip: Organizing kids - smaller the child the bigger the container for toys. This helps with easy cleanup!

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of2Z

RT @Terry_Allison: RT @TheAntiGuru: "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." - Leo Buscaglia

RT @Terry_Allison: RT @AlFerretti: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -- Mohandas Gandhi #quote

RT @lifecruise: RT @desireeadaway There are laws of the universe and if you practice them they will respond to you" - Michael Beckwith

Clutter: attempting to fill the space within http://ow.ly/ofsO

RT @JimPelley: Getting Organized: An Inside Job. http://ping.fm/cjyNK via @asimpleplan (that Kelli is just super cool)@asimpleplan-thx Jim

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of3c

Do you or someone you love have AD/HD? NAPO Sacramento is hosting an event open to the public Tuesday 9/15 6-8pm http://ow.ly/of2P

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks: What is disorganization keeping you from doing?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks..are you working as efficiently as possible in your business?

Your Freedom from Clutter Consultant asks how much business are you leaving on the table because you are disorganized?

Getting Organized: An Inside Job. http://ping.fm/cjyNK

New article I wrote: It's not about the stuff (with a spin) http://ping.fm/k1YL7

Interesting twist on downsizing and environment!!
http://ping.fm/vNyk6

Productivity Tip: Think you know how much time you are spending on tasks? Track this for a week to see - you will be amazed. Eye opening!

Organizing Tip: Make clean up fun! Dim the lights, use flashlights and hunt for toys to clean up in the evening with your kids!

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Andre Gide

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer

There was a surge in calls from potential clients last week. Great news. So, like many of my clients putting off projects I have avoided my daughters room clean up. We talked about doing it together but she's giving me the go ahead to do it while she's gone. She will still have creative approval and input for colors and designs but I'm sorting and purging. It's critical that when we get to the point of choosing organizing products for her room that she be lead on that project. She has to invest in the solution in order to remain invested in the upkeep. I will guide her, of course, however I need to be able to work with her on "her" design if things start to go back. She is just a toss it on the floor kind of kid, not sure where that comes from. So acceptance is the first step in working on her room and giving her the best possible tools...if I can organize family, especially children, I can do ANYTHING!

Productivity Tip: We allow email to manage our day, you must manage email. Check twice a day, close it in between to avoid distraction.

Hilarious Jim Pelley speaking about Attracting Clients with Humor today @ 3pm PST www.educatingsmallbusiness.com/advanced-course.html

"There's no bad ideas when you're brainstormin' " Disney's Imagination Movers opening song!

All we have is this moment. Choose to make it positive, productive and real.

Organizing Tip: Home Office organization from SMEAD. http://ping.fm/DFIb4

Productivity Tip: Take 5 min before bed to get everything you need by the door. Don't start with stress by rushing around to find things!

Organizing tip: Decide on sentimental items without touching them...touch feeds emotion. Ask for help to clear this "emotional" clutter.

Productivity Tip: Document your client engagement process so everyone gets a consistent experience-don't reinvent or guess each time.

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer

We are starting a home project of redoing/reorganizing the kids rooms...both are changing stages; Bailey from princesses to 8 going on 16 and William from toddler to Spiderman/Monster Truck/Lego guy. I'll chronicle this project from the organizers standpoint. Our first step over this past weekend was to purge William's room of trash and donation items. I have what remains stacked in the closet until it's time to paint. We picked colors for William. Next step in there is to measure for baseboards and make a list of accessories; new doorknob, switches and outlets all updated to match....more on the cool IKEA accessories we're adding once we get the final list together.

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer

Can you say Best Mother's Day EVER! I woke up to arguing between my 5 and 8 year old in the kitchen then the smoke alarm going off. After fanning the smoke from the detector I got back in bed to receive my breakfast in bed. Of course both kids climb in after setting the tray on my lap, a rose in a vase, a melted blue otter pop to drink, waffles that I am sure have been in the freezer for a while and a sunnyside up/black on the bottom egg. Better than a Denny's Grand Slam. The three of us ate the waffle and passed on the egg. The best part was hearing that William licked the ice off the waffle before putting it in the toaster and brushed it off when he dropped it on the floor taking it out of the toaster! And Bailey not wanting to "waste" a knife so she put the butter on with her hands! Yummy. We spend a few hours at the park playing in the sand and napping under the huge oak trees at our park...There is NO better life than mine...I am truly blessed. Thank you Bailey and William for being such amazing kids.

Transitioning to new AWESOME website!!! More info coming soon.

Working on Educating Small Business with my Rock Star business partner Christine Giri!

Did you know there are Professional Organizers in New Zealand, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Canada....?

Test ping

It is impossible to feel good about your choices unless you are clear about what your work really is...David Allen

Organizing Principle: Sort first so you know what you have...you can better organize if you know the full scoop!

Nearly flawless corporate relo...how cool is that? Now my very favorite part...organizing and creating an efficient workspace!

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

I'm back from conference and comotose (did I spell that right?...I have been up since 3am east coast time.) Uugh..ok so I didn't really think through the 5:30 am flight departure from Orlando, I just wanted to get back to be with the family. So of course the kids are playing down the street and I'm blogging...what happened here?

Exciting news! I have taken the position as the International Ambassador for the National Association of Professional Organizers. I spent Friday evening with organizers from the Netherlands, Columbia, New Zealand, Australia, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and Canada. I met the Tokyo ladies on Saturday. I am very much looking forward to serving at the national level. As outgoing President of the Sacramento chapter I'm looking forward to continuing my efforts with the association.

So I'm giving myself the gift of work life balance today and leaving my house a little thrashed from travel and kids landing in order to get to bed early and start the week off fresh.

More about the cool conference stuff later!!

Kelli

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

The National Association of Professional Organizers holds its annual conference each year to provide continuing education to organizers so we can be of the best possible service to our clients. We have big name keynotes this year and lots of expo participants to teach us about the latest and coolest products to help our clients. Stay tuned next week and I'll bring you tons of information and techniques!!

Corporate relocation countdown...5 days and counting...everything is dialed in and ready to go.

Even when we're most sure that love can't conquer all, it seems to anyway. Anne Lamott

If you have no regrets, you need to get out more. -Stacey Donovan

It takes a long time to grow young.

Organizing Tip: Hard time getting started? Set a timer for 10 minutes grab all the obvious trash in a bag and take it directly to the trash.

Organizing Tip - Keep it simple. Set a goal for the space and write 3 activities to reach the goal. Start small and reward your efforts.

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

So I'm getting ready for a weekend in Lake Tahoe with 7 of my most AMAZING girlfriends to celebrate my 40th birthday. Man I feel great for 40! As soon as that's done I have another trip scheduled so my organzing brain in thinking....I'm really packing for two trips from the standpoint of toiletries and such. While the climates are completely different there is a lot that overlaps. SO, as I pack tonight for my trip tomorrow I will keep in mind to fill the little 3oz bottles to the tippy top so don't have to do it again when I get back from this trip. Also, when I get back and do laundry things just get washed, folded and back into the suitcase, the same suitcase. I also have been setting stuff aside or making a list of the things I need. I have some wine to take and games/cards but on my list are my refrigerator/freezer items that need to go in the cooler. Just a little thinking ahead saves the last minute rush Friday morning before we head to the airport to get one of the girls coming from Oregon!! Happy Birthday to me. I am such a lucky girl to have such AMAZING friends!

Good Morning! Another beautiful day in paradise. I'm so excited to see what today has in store for me.

Organizing Tip - Easy does it! It didn't get this way overnight, be kind to yourself and start slow, one small area at a time if needed

Life is Plan B

Organizing Tip-Quarantine Method-haven't used it but really can't let go? Tape it up in a box, put a date 6 months out-tape in tact toss it.

You're never lacking in opportunities to clarify your priorities at any level. Pay attention to which horizon is calling you. David Allen

The best place to succeed is where you are with what you have. Charles Schwab

Organizing Tip - Moving your office? Purge before you move...don't think that you will do it once you move - don't move what you don't need.

Be Yourself. Everybody else is already taken. -Oscar Wilde
Now THAT is a FABULOUS quote.

Organizing Tip! - Write it down, get it out of your head. Create a reliable place to collect your to do's. David Allen-Getting Things Done

Organizing truth - your external environment is a reflection of your internal environment. Are you disorganized?

And from my martial arts instructor. Satori. In the moment at my best.

Be where you are. Otherwise you will miss your life! Buddha (I love that)

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

Just a quick post this morning - running a little behind in getting ready for work. Crazy week this week with evening commitments. Friday is the beginning of the best girls weekend EVER! So I will be at my organizing best to make my commitments this week and still take care of myself. Each of my kids had friends over Saturday - a good lesson for me that it's fun while it's happening but then I stayed up a little too late had was grouchy Sunday. A lady at church said being grouchy is too expensive...she was 90 so I think she's got some wisdom to share. lol. Sharp as a tack and lovely woman.

So, today I'm sharing the lesson of taking care of yourself. What fills your soul? Do that first without feeling guilty.

Have a magnificent week!

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. Anna Quindlen.

Heading out to the CCHAT center wine tasting fund raiser. CCHAT benefits deaf children. www.cchatevents.org

Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer

So I am working with a fabulous team on a corporate relocation...I know I am doing what I am meant to do because I am giddy with the details that need to be managed to have a successful move...especially when I will be traveling for the actual weekend of the move. Even more important for me to have all the details nailed, all the i's dotted and t's crossed. Same principles apply for a residential move and home or home office organizing. We have a goal in mind and work our way through the details to get to the end!

Organizing Tip: Paper - you do not need to keep every paycheck stub, once you verify all is correct keep only the latest stub!

The world in conspiring in your favor!!

Organizing Tip for Business: DOCUMENT your processes-don't reinvent each time...Huge time savings and you are consistent to your clients

Organizing Tip: Start with a goal for the space - draw it, write it, tear a page out of a magazine. Refer back to this for motivation.

In life and in CLUTTER - the best way out is always through...

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new! Albert Einstein Amen to that!

Heading into my 5am Mastermind with other genius business owners

Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.

5am Mastermind call...American Idol and bed!

Organizing Tip! use your vertical space in the garage, kitchen or office to keep surfaces clear. Especially for visual people!

Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer

Hopefully you have your taxes complete and off to uncle sam. Let's talk about organzing for taxes. No longer do you need to make a common practice of searching for everything you need for taxes at the last minute or in a frenzy or while wondering if you have not forgotten everything.

Use a manila folder, write the current year and Taxes for example 2009 Taxes. Through the year collect here any documents or receipts. You can have one for personal and one for business if needed. (more on business tax organization later). In this file you can put the receipt for your property taxes, donations, tax deductible medical expenses.

Don't file these things separately then pull them all together...save time and file them together as you go through the year. Why add to the stress of the tax season by having to search out your documents!?

The power nap is a beautiful thing!

The awesome Jennifer Bourn is our featured expert at educatingsmallbusiness.com today

Organizing Tip - The smaller the child the larger the bin...little kids can get things into larger containers. Set them up for success!

We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. Marie B. Ray

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we will not find it. RW Emerson

Welcome to this beautiful thing called life! Make it a great day - the choice is yours!!

Ah the quite of the morningbefore the kids get up and going. I shared last night that I clear the decks before I call it a night and I LOVE getting up and into the morning when my house is in order. I was able to sit quietly and read some "good stuff" to start my day off right and meditate for a few minutes. So great to get grounded...

I'm working on a corporate move right now. They relocate end of May while I am away at my NAPO Conference. Talk about preparation and then letting it go. There are plenty on the team to make sure all goes well and I love knowing that my expertise and preparation will make their part a little easier.

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

So I got home from my event and realized I now do automatically what I suggest to my clients...once I got the kids in bed and got into my comfy clothes I did a sweep of the house to get the kids stuff back in their room, gathered a few school projects and got them into the bin in the kids closet top shelf, cleaned up the dinner dished and made my lunch for tomorrow and put the kids backpacks by the door. This is the 5 minute sweep I talk about with clients...OK maybe this took 15-20 but really, now I can sit down and get some work done without looking over my shoulder.

Making dinner for kids and gram..I'm going out to speak at the American Business Women's Association! Increasing Profits by Organizing.

A Day in the Life of a Professional Organizer...

I was thinking about the things I tell my clients when were working together to create a new space for them or working on creating new habits...I was thinking how I really do practice what I preach so I thought I would blog my days and see what happens.

Today I got up a little later than I should have...5:45am. I have to be up showered and dressed in order to get the kids up at 6:30. I thought about blogging this today because I didn't want to make the bed this morning but remember what I tell my clients and myself....make the bed so you have a nice place to come back to at the end of the day and it only takes 3 minutes to make the bed really...even though my 5 year old ended up in bed with me last night it still only took a few minutes...he didn't thrash that much.

If I'm going to encourage, OK make, my kids make their beds I have to be an example...the same for my clients eh?

Happy habit making!
Kelli

Organizing Tip - Create/label all your filing the same whether email, paper files or computer files. Consistency breeds efficiency. Kelli

We all have times when we think more effectively, and times when we shouldn't think at all. -Daniel Cohen

What are the top 3 questions I should ask when interviewing a business coach?...I need someone awesome.

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it! Buddha

Think like a man (or woman) of action, act like a man of thought! Henry Bergson

Organizing Tip: Use a hanging shoe sorter for belts, scarves and other accessories to keep them in easy view in your closet.

What we teach ourselves with our thoughts and attitudes is up to us.

Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs. Vaclav Havel

Now here's some valuable information...The National Soap and Detergent Association believes getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40% of the housework in the avg home.

What an INCREDIBLE day. Time to go put my nose in a great book!!! "Getting Things Done" by David Allen

According to a study conducted by a Boston marketing firm, the average American burns 55 minutes a day looking for things they know they own but cannot find.

The Self Storage Association estimates that there are almost 40,000 self-storage facilities in the US, and the demand for them doubled from 1994 to 2004.

Each year, about 100 million households receive 16.6 billion catalogs.—Direct Mail Association

The Wall Street Journal reports that the average U.S. executive wastes six weeks annually searching for important documents lost in clutter.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that 80 percent of filed papers are never looked at again.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. Thoreau

Renew conference was awesome...Love speaking and helping others free themselves from clutter!

Up and getting ready to be a speaker at the Renew Women's Conference in Rocklin today!

speaking at a women's conference in Rocklin tomorrow with Christine Giri!!

Look towards Rocklin...see that cloud of genius...that's us taking over the world! YAHOO!

Working with my awesome biz partner Christine today...building our fortune!

Life is Good! I love my life! Celebrate, Appreciate!

There are several steps to take to overcome clutter and disorganization. It's not about the stuff...there is a spiritual solution to the stress and unmanageability of being disorganized. Watch for my book. Kelli